Chapter 147: Yuanshi Tianzun Is in Danger

Chapter 147: The Primordial Heavenly Venerable Is in Grave Peril

Taking the key card from Xie Lingxi's hand, Zhang Yuanqing arrived before the presidential suite and swiped the door open.

*Beep-beep!*

Following the prompt tone, he turned the handle and entered the room.

The opulently furnished hall was empty of any person. Zhang Yuanqing glanced around and called out, "Palace Master?"

An ethereal and melodious voice drifted from the bedroom, carrying a hint of frailty, "Inside..."

Zhang Yuanqing immediately crossed the hall and pushed open the master bedroom door. Beyond the bedroom lay a small sitting room; only after passing through it did he catch sight of the Slaughter-Ceasing Palace Master upon the window-side chaise longue.

She was still clad in an ancient-style crimson dress, its bodice, sleeves, and hem embroidered with cloud patterns in gold thread. She lay reclined upon the soft couch, one arm, pale as frost and white as snow, propping up her lovely head.

Beneath the silver mask, beautiful eyes silently gazed at the man who had entered.

Her posture is truly exquisite; I wonder what face lies beneath that mask... Zhang Yuanqing's gaze swept without a trace over the two delicate, exquisite little feet peeking from beneath her skirt.

A woman who dislikes wearing shoes.

"Word has it the Palace Master sought me out on business?" Zhang Yuanqing sat down at the writing desk, not far from the chaise.

The Slaughter-Ceasing Palace Master narrowed her eyes and smiled. "I was wounded by the Heavenly King of the War God Sect; recovery in the short term is impossible. Enemies have pursued me to Songhai. I must find a way to protect myself. Therefore, I need you!"

The Heavenly King of the War God Sect actually chased her to Songhai? Zhang Yuanqing's heart tightened. Hearing the latter half, he froze for a moment: "Need me?"

*Need me to die in your stead!*

The Slaughter-Ceasing Palace Master nodded lightly, slender jade fingers twining a lock of hair. "I possess an artifact called the 'Embrace of the Empress Wa.' It can rapidly heal my injuries, no matter how severe, its efficacy far surpassing that of Life Origin Fluid. But using it carries a price—a price I cannot pay, which is why I need you."

I see! Zhang Yuanqing nodded at first, then immediately sensed something amiss. What price could only he pay?

Be it Zhang Yuanqing or the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, neither possessed such specificity.

Thus, he asked cautiously: "What price?"

The Slaughter-Ceasing Palace Master sat up, hands resting on her lower abdomen in a ladylike posture, and sighed. "The price of the Embrace of the Empress Wa is this: to save one person, one must sacrifice another. The offering must be male, and the beloved man of the sacrificer..."

A "Holy shit" just surged to Zhang Yuanqing's throat when the red-clad beauty upon the couch abruptly vanished. The next moment, a pair of ice-cold, soft little hands reached from behind, caressing Zhang Yuanqing's cheek, a gentle voice whispering: "You are my male favorite; such a heavy burden surely falls squarely on your shoulders, no?"

Finishing, she parted crimson lips, exhaling a warm, fragrant breath.

...Goosebumps erupted across Zhang Yuanqing's entire body; he froze in place.

Unable to move, for the Slaughter-Ceasing Palace Master's aura was suppressing him.

The two remained deadlocked for a few seconds before she suddenly giggled, laughing until she trembled, her rainbow garments quivering.

“Look at how frightened you are; how could I possibly bear to sacrifice you?”

She moved with measured, graceful steps, returning to the imperial concubine’s couch, the hem of her crimson skirt trailing upon the floor.

*Whew…* Zhang Yuanqing exhaled slowly, forcefully, cursing inwardly: *A madwoman. You’re a fucking madwoman!!*

For a split second just now, he had felt certain he was a dead man.

“Palace Master, please don’t joke like this. What exactly did you summon me for?” Zhang Yuanqing suppressed his rising ire.

The Palace Master of Cessation undid her sleeve and sat down slowly. The mirth faded from her limpid eyes, her tone turning several degrees colder:

“I was wounded by the Demon Eye Heavenly King, nearly perishing at his hands. He pursued me all the way to Songhai. I need you to report this upward. The Songhai Branch has five Elders; even the Demon Eye wouldn't dare act too brazenly. With them intervening, the pressure on me will lessen considerably. Another matter…”

She cast a sidelong glance at him: “I heard you killed Li Xianzong in the Yin-Yang Town. Well killed. Worthy of the man who would be my consort. However, Li Xianzong was the Demon Eye’s confidant. Now that he has come to Songhai, he will surely settle this score.”

The Demon Eye Heavenly King has come to Songhai? Zhang Yuanqing’s face darkened instantly.

He pondered with a grim expression for a long while before asking: “How strong is the Demon Eye Heavenly King?”

The Palace Master of Cessation spoke slowly: “Without any external aid, my probability of surviving under his hand is only thirty percent. My probability of defeating him is zero.”

Meaning zero chance of victory. *That strong?* The Palace Master was a Ruler-level expert, after all. Hmm, she was an Order-class, newly entered the Ruler realm, whereas the Demon Eye Heavenly King was different—a veteran Ruler…

Zhang Yuanqing clicked his tongue inwardly, asking: “If I run into the Demon Eye Heavenly King, what preparations do I need to make in advance?”

The Palace Master of Cessation glanced at him, speaking with ill-disguised annoyance: “Prepare your funeral arrangements.”

“……”

Zhang Yuanqing raised a hand to his mouth, coughed once to mask his embarrassment, and said:

“What I mean is, what is the Demon Eye Heavenly King skilled at? What are his weaknesses? I want to understand him better.”

He certainly couldn't look up the Demon Eye Heavenly King’s dossier. Ruler-level intelligence—even if he earned another Class-A merit, he might not gain access. Only upon reaching a certain rank would permissions open.

The Palace Master of Cessation had crossed hands with the Demon Eye Heavenly King; her intelligence was the most authentic and timely.

“The Demon Eye Heavenly King is the only one besides the Asura to have cultivated the Bewitching Eye to its pinnacle. A vertical eye grew upon his forehead because of it; that is the origin of the title ‘Demon Eye’.” The Palace Master of Cessation mused for a moment, then continued:

“Discussing his strength and weaknesses is meaningless. Against a figure of this caliber, even if weaknesses exist, you cannot exploit them. His personality, however, you might be able to use. That guy is a lunatic, a total oddball!”

*Pot calling the kettle black.* Zhang Yuanqing seized the chance to retort inwardly, his surface demeanor calm and collected: “How so?”

“The Demon Eye Heavenly King has another moniker: the ‘Angry Youth Heavenly King.’ Because he harbors a constant, ‘hate-iron-for-not-becoming-steel’ rage toward this world, this nation. Wherever he goes, he investigates local officials for corruption, oppression of the populace, embezzlement of public funds, and the like. He gathers evidence, and once he deems the evidence sufficient to warrant a death sentence, he stops—and then goes to their door to kill them.” The Palace Master of Cessation said:

“Furthermore, rumor has it he hates evil like a personal enemy and cannot stand the strong bullying the weak. Thus, the members of the Soldier Lord Sect all fear him. Wherever he is, not a single Bewitching Demon dares commit atrocities.”

…Zhang Yuanqing listened, dumbstruck, his face wooden.

*He thought: This is an Evil-class? This is clearly a Holy Mother sent by heaven to save the world, isn't it?*

The Palace Master of Cessation spoke coolly:

“Don't think he’s a good man. The Demon Eye is a textbook case of obsession turning into demonhood. Such people are more extreme, more dangerous, than those driven by bloodlust. If I recall correctly, the officials once ranked the Four Heavenly Kings of the Soldier Lord Sect by threat level; the Demon Eye’s danger coefficient was the highest.”

“I understand.” Zhang Yuanqing nodded, his expression grave.

*Hmm, based on my understanding of Evil-classes, this Demon Eye Heavenly King must have suffered oppression from the authorities before reaching the Spiritual Realm. No, not just oppression—persecution, cruelty.*

Only this could explain his "angry youth" persona.

The evil of every wicked profession is never without cause.

The intent to purge corrupt officials is good, but if taken to extremes, it becomes another matter entirely.

"Thanks for the heads-up. I have a rough idea of what kind of man he is now," Zhang Yuanqing nodded.

Though it serves no damn purpose. He added silently.

The Palace Master of Cessation Killing gave a slight nod: "That's all. You may leave. I'll rest a while. Tell Xie Lingxi not to come in unless it's urgent. If anyone dares disturb my rest, I'll have them strung up and beaten."

This seems to be her room, though... Zhang Yuanqing silently championed the little green tea bitch for half a second.

Leaving the suite, he didn't linger, immediately fishing out his phone to dial Fu Qingyang.

The matter was grave; it had to be reported upward.

"Speak!" Fu Qingyang said with concise precision.

The Centurion's voice is always this calm, but in the 0.01 seconds after I deliver this news, I want to hear you lose your composure...

Zhang Yuanqing said in a low voice: "Centurion, I just received word from the Palace Master of Cessation Killing. The Demon Eye Heavenly King has come to Songhai."

"What?" Fu Qingyang's tone shifted, pressing urgently: "The Palace Master of Cessation Killing said this... is the intelligence reliable?"

The ever frosty Centurion's voice now betrayed anxiety.

Zhang Yuanqing immediately summarized the Palace Master's words and relayed them to Fu Qingyang.

"I understand..." Fu Qingyang took a deep breath: "This man is extremely dangerous. I will report to the Elder immediately. Yuanshi, you needn't go to the unit these few days. Stay home and keep a low profile."

Sigh, I'm an official member practically turning into a turtle hiding in its shell... Zhang Yuanqing said: "I know my limits."

With a population nearing thirty million in Songhai, and his true identity unexposed, the Demon Eye finding him would be nothing short of a needle in a haystack.

Besides, the Demon Eye's primary target is the Palace Master of Cessation Killing. A small fry like the Heavenly Venerable of the Primordial Beginning is merely collateral; the focus isn't here.

Starting today, no unit. Disguise myself when going out. Should be fine... thinking this, he hung up.

...

Fu Family Bay.

In the study, Fu Qingyang set down his phone, his expression grave.

On the guest sofa, Ling Jun popped a grape into his mouth, speaking with casual indifference:

"What's wrong? You look pale. Did some acquaintance of yours join the Night Rose?"

Fu Qingyang glanced at him:

"Yuanshi told me the Demon Eye of the War God Cult has come to Songhai."

"Pfft..." The grape in Ling Jun's mouth sprayed out. He sprang to his feet: "I've been in Songhai long enough. I miss my old father dearly. No time like the present—I'm returning to the capital today."

Fu Qingyang ignored him, immediately dialing the Dog Elder's phone.

"Elder, I just received a piece of intelligence from Yuanshi Tianzun."

“He?” Elder Dog chuckled heartily. “Do tell.”

“Mo Yan has come to Songhai.”

“What?” Elder Dog’s voice shot up several decibels, his words tumbling out in a rapid-fire barrage:

“Where did Yuanshi Tianzun get this intelligence? Is it reliable? Mo Yan has always been active in the north; why on earth would he come south for no reason?”

Listening to Elder Dog’s tone, Fu Qingyang suddenly realized his own state moments ago; the corner of his mouth twitched faintly.

“It was the Palace Master of Zhisha who told him.” He immediately relayed Zhang Yuanqing’s words to Elder Dog, verbatim.

Elder Dog was silent for a long moment, his voice low as he spoke:

“This intelligence is crucial, and timely. I will convene an Elder Council immediately to discuss countermeasures against the Heavenly King Mo Yan. Naturally, I will also issue a notice telling those with dirty hands to stay home for the time being.”

Had it been any other Heavenly King, Elder Dog wouldn't have been this anxious, but Mo Yan was different—he was an unreasonable madman.

A fanatic! A lunatic!

“Tell Yuanshi to stay home as well.” With that final instruction, Elder Dog hastily hung up the phone.

…

In the hotel’s revolving restaurant, Zhang Yuanqing and Xie Lingxi sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying a sumptuous lunch.

The round table held ham slices, borscht, caviar, steak, pan-fried cod, foie gras, and the like, yet Xie Lingxi had little appetite, slicing her steak absently as she said:

“Mo Yan followed you to Songhai too, huh? Big Brother Yuanshi, you must be careful, careful, and careful again from now on.”

The Heavenly King Mo Yan was a Sovereign-level Bewitching Fiend—terrifying, powerful, invincible. Before such a figure, genius, talent, all amounted to pale and powerless empty talk.

“I know. My heart is pounding with panic right now,” Zhang Yuanqing said with a self-deprecating smile.

He speared some ham, popped it into his mouth, and chewed. “Enough of that. Lingxi, I got a Guild Charter in the Yin-Yang Town. Interested in joining?”

Xie Lingxi’s eyes lit up, her pretty little face blooming with excitement:

“Really? Really? Big Brother Yuanshi got a Guild Charter? Hurry up and invite me; I want to be Big Brother Yuanshi’s supporter, to assist you in achieving great deeds.”

A Guild Charter had many perks; the most tangible was an experience bonus. Though it wouldn't be huge, experience points symbolized strength—who would refuse a boost in power?

That wasn't even counting the Charter's other functions.

“Big Brother Yuanshi, what’s our guild called?” The little green tea enthusiastically cut a piece of steak and placed it in her brother’s bowl.

Zhang Yuanqing settled his qi in his dantian and spoke slowly: “The Dead Return!”

“The King Returns?” Xie Lingxi clapped her little hands happily. “Imposing. I like it.”

Though a bit cliché, it was acceptable.

“No!” Zhang Yuanqing shook his head. “You’re thinking of the ‘Wang’ for Emperor, right? I wanted that name too, but it was taken. Besides, I think it’s too cliché.”

“So?” Xie Lingxi’s heart sank as she listened.

“The Dead Return! The ‘Wang’ of Death!” Zhang Yuanqing lifted his chin.

What, what kind of crappy name is that? This Guild Charter is ruined… Xie Lingxi’s beautiful eyes widened slightly; she froze for a beat, and the next second, her face blossomed with an expression even more joyous and admiring than before:

“The dead return. Brother Yuanshi doesn't take the beaten path, doesn't follow convention. I like this name. Recruit me now, I can't wait.”

Zhang Yuanqing immediately opened the warehouse, clicked the search bar in the upper right corner, and used the pointer pen to input the three characters “Xie Lingxi.”

Selected invite.

The next second, Xie Lingxi sensed something: “Hmm, got it…”

Her pupils instantly lost focus, staring at the attribute panel before her, clicking agree.

“Let me see what stock Brother Yuanshi has.” She eagerly opened the gang warehouse, and sure enough, found a few items.

Two items lay quietly in the gang warehouse: one, an ugly scarecrow, crudely made; the other, resembling a can of pepper spray.

“Brother Yuanshi, can you display the item attributes?”

Items in the warehouse can have their attributes made public without a Spirit Realm Walker needing to touch them directly; this is one of the functions of the gang warehouse, helping members select items within it.

“We'll look another time.” Zhang Yuanqing immediately lowered his head to eat.

“Why? Just show me.” Xie Lingxi whined coquettishly.

But Zhang Yuanqing simply ignored her.

…

Under the blazing sun, Auntie Xiaoyuan drove up to a bar that had yet to open for business.

Bars and nightclubs clustered on this street; at this hour, all had their doors shut, not yet open for business.

Yet a bar on the street corner stood wide open, expensive and cheap cars alike parked in the spaces outside.

One by one, people of varied dress stepped out: some in suits and leather shoes, some in flip-flops and capris, some in tight shirts and crew cuts, some wrapped in black coats with masks and duckbill caps…

An exceptionally complex crowd.

Auntie Xiaoyuan parked, took out her phone, and handed the invitation text to the two burly security guards at the door for verification.

Confirming the text was correct, one of the bald men, after giving her curvaceous figure a once-over, grinned and said:

“Go on in!

“Hey doll, any interest in keeping us two brothers company for a drink later?”

“Sure, if I'm in a good mood and don't kill you both.” Auntie Xiaoyuan pocketed her phone expressionlessly, entered the bar; inside was a spacious hall filled with round tables and rattan chairs, a long bar counter facing the entrance.

Around the hall's tables sat the evil professionals who had come at the summons; Xiaoyuan was one of them.

She had received an invitation today: the new “Spokesperson” appointed by the War Bishop had arrived at the Songhai branch, reopening the stronghold, inviting regulars to show support and meet.

As one of the three major organizations among evil professionals, no one dared deny the War Bishop face, and evil professionals indeed needed the black market's existence.

Trading solo, they all feared being double-crossed.

After taking a seat, Xiaoyuan ordered a cocktail from the bar's waiter and waited in silence.

About ten minutes later, a young man in sportswear with a sweatband on his forehead walked out from the backstage.

His features were quite handsome, his smile sunny, utterly lacking the gloom and viciousness of evil professionals.

But when he appeared before the crowd, every single person felt their heart skip a beat in unison.

This was a figure stronger, more terrifying than Tian Lingling... The crowd unconsciously straightened their postures, tucking away their slovenly attitudes.

The young man with the sunny smile scanned the hall, his voice ringing out:

"Today marks the reopening of the Bing Zhujiao's Songhai branch black market. I'm delighted you all could come show your support. From now on, this place is under my protection. Play as you please, so long as you don't bully the weak, and don't slaughter the innocent."

Huh?

The crowd froze for a moment, inwardly sneering: *This counts as 'play as you please'?*

"I guarantee you, the farce at Tian Lingling's dive bar will absolutely not be repeated." The youth spoke:

"The Palace Master of the Zhisha Palace has provoked the Bing Zhujiao. The Bing Zhujiao's prestige cannot be violated. You are all natives of Songhai. From this day forth, any intel on Zhisha Palace members, or on the Palace Master himself, can be reported to me.

"One lead rewards five hundred thousand. Verified intel on the Zhisha Palace Master himself rewards five million."

The evil professionals in the hall exchanged glances, excitement flushing their faces.

They were thrilled by the generous bounty, and equally gripped by a voracious, melon-eating curiosity regarding the Bing Zhujiao's targeting of the Zhisha Palace.

The youth wearing the sports headband continued:

"Secondly, gather evidence of the Yuanshi Tianzun's corruption and crimes within the Songhai branch for me."

What? Auntie Xiao Yuan's expression stiffened, her gaze snapping toward the youth by the bar in astonishment.